Is BA or BS in Economics Better? With Differences and Similarities
If anyone wants to know, “Which is better BA or BS in Economics?”, we cannot give a distinct answer. Because both Bachelor in Art in Economics and Bachelor in Science in Economics degrees are really valuable degrees for career development.
You have to decide whether you should study Bachelor in Art or Bachelor in Science in economics based on your strengths, potential career paths, and preferred learning style. The main difference is BA in Economics degree more focus on economic theories while BS in Economics degree more focus on mathematics, statistics, and econometrics.
In this article, we will give you some valuable instructions to choose your degree in BA in Economics or BS in Economics.
So, firstly we will discuss the similarities and differences between a Bachelor in Art or Bachelor in Science in Economics, and finally, we will provide some guidelines for you to choose your Economics degree.
Similarities between BA and BS in economics
We can see some main similarities between BA and BS in economics degrees. Let’s discuss them.
- Both Bachelor in Art in Economics and Bachelor in Science degrees include microeconomics and macroeconomics as main subjects.
- You have to learn both economics theories and calculus lessons under the BA and BS in economics degrees
- Your economics knowledge and analytical skills are developed by both BA and BS in economics degrees
- The degree length for these programs is typically the same. However, the BS in economics degree may require more credit hours in STEM-heavy classes.
You may interested into read more,
6 reasons for why is economics a social science
Is microeconomics hard? – with easy ways to learn it
12 Reasons of Why Is It Important To Study Economics
Difference between Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science (Difference between BA and BS)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
B.A degrees have more emphasis on humanities topics and these degrees allow students to study a broader variety of topics.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science degrees are more related to technical aspects. In Bachelor of Science degrees, students can more enroll in math and science courses or lab work.
BA Economics vs BS Economics (Difference between Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Economics)
Choosing between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics can be a big decision for you. Let’s consider the difference between BA and BS Economics degrees. The main difference is BA in Economics degree more focus on economic theories while BS in Economics degree more focus on mathematics, statistics, and econometrics.
| Criteria | BA in economics | BS in economics |
| Coursework | More focus on economic theories, history of the economics, and social science contexts. This degree requires less mathematical and statistical skills. Typically, it requires only 1 class of calculus. BA in Economics degree is more related to qualitative theories. | More focuses on areas such as mathematics, statistics, and econometrics. Typically, it requires 2 or 3 classes in calculus. You need to learn lessons such as probability, differentiation, and so on. BS in Economics degree is more related to quantitative theories. |
| Skills | A BA in Economics degree is helpful to develop skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Because this degree trains you to analyze economic issues with the social and political intentions. | Your advanced numerical and analytical skills for data analysis, modeling, and forecasting are enhanced with a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree. It makes careers in data science, research, and finance with a quantitative focus more accessible. |
| BA vs BS in economics jobs | BA in Economics degree fits with the career paths such as, Education Journalism Law Counseling Public policy | BS in Economics degree fits with the career paths such as, Banking Investment Finance Scientific research Econometrics Data Analytics |
Which is better BA or BS in Economics?
Both BA and BS in Economics degrees provide valuable knowledge and skills for the students. You have to decide the best matching degree based on your skills, interests, and aspirations. So, our advice is that, please carefully review your strengths, preferred learning styles, and preferred career paths before choosing the degree.
If anyone wants to know, “Which is better BA and BS in Economics? Should I get a BA or BS in Economics degree?”, we cannot give a distinct answer.
Why choose BA in Economics?
You should choose a BA in Economics degree if you want to,
- Study more about the theoretical phenomena of economics
- Explore broader the social and political impacts of the economic issues
- prefer a more flexible curriculum with options for electives in other humanities or social sciences
Why choose BS in Economics?
You should choose BSc in Economics degree if you want to,
- Study in math and quantitative analysis.
- Strongly focus on graduate programs of quantitative finance, data science, or research.
- Enjoy solving complex economics problems with math and statistical tools
- Learn about econometrics, modeling, and data analysis.
If you are still not sure, You can choose your degree program by getting instructions from professors and career counselors.
You can meet Shalika Thilakarathne Who is the chief author at economictopics.com
